As the beard turned whiter, I sort of fell into the role of Santa. . .use what ya got, right? As of now, I look at myself as Workshop Santa rather than Red Suit Santa. I've done a revue (Santa's Got a Brand New Bag, written by my friendMatt Savage), been Santa for The Oklahoma City Philharmonic, a gig as St. Nick at the Rockland County Historical Society (see horse picture with startled child), the Occupy Christmas video with the hilarious Josh Grisetti, and in 2012, I'll be playing Kris Kringle in Meredith Willson's Miracle on 34th St. in Arvada, CO.

NICE: "It's an Occupy Christmas!"

NAUGHTY: "It's an Occupy (Rated: R) Christmas!">outtakes<

I don't think I'm cut out for children's parties or having anyone not in total control of their execratory functions on my lap, but anything else is fair game. But who can't admit that money talks? (Except in reference to execratory functions, of course). I'm exploring options for Santa year-round. Christmas in July, Santa on greeting cards for every occasion, that sort of thing. Stay open-minded. . .like Santa.